日本における小水力発電の普及に係る障壁と課題 ―事業主体の視点から―

<p>This study aims to clarify the barriers and obstacles to the development of mini-hydro energy in Japan through participant observation, and interviews and questionnaires to the practitioners active in the field. Despite of the great potential of mini-hydro energy in Japan, various barriers and obstacles hinder the development. In total, 8 factors were identified as important factors, and these factors are classified into 3 broad categories: political, technologies and infrastructure, implementation body and finance & development plan. Based on the questionnaires conducted with the practitioners in the field, the relative importance of each identified factor is clarified using analytic hierarchy process method. Adding to the problem of access to electricity grid that has been observed in renewable projects in general, mini-hydro energy projects face various issues related to permits and licenses, community engagement, and slow-development of domestic technology. In order to facilitate the development of mini-hydro energy in Japan, these issues need to be addressed in the formation of the implementation body, financing, and engagement with the local community and other stakeholders. This study adds to the existing knowledge with the clear focus on the perspectives of project developers.</p>